By Dr Abdul Samad
KARACHI: The Karachi University Medical Center marked World Heart Day with a ceremony at the university’s Chinese Teacher Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, drawing attention to alarming trends in heart health among the youth. Professor Dr. Tahir Saghir, Executive Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, highlighted that the late-night use of mobile phones has emerged as a significant factor contributing to rising blood pressure issues in the population.
Dr. Saghir noted a concerning shift in heart health, stating that young individuals in their 20s and 30s are increasingly experiencing heart-related problems, a trend rarely seen in the past when heart disease typically affected those in their 40s. He referred to the pervasive use of mobile phones as a “new pandemic” and urged the audience to embrace healthier lifestyles that include regular physical activity. To promote wellness on campus, he proposed declaring a vehicle-free day at the university, encouraging students, faculty, and visitors to walk more by parking their vehicles farther away from their destinations and opting for stairs over elevators.
Professor Dr. Khalid Iraqi, the Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, echoed Dr. Saghir’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to abandon the fast-food culture that has taken root in society. He expressed concern that children are introduced to unhealthy eating habits from an early age, leading to heart disease and other health problems before they reach adulthood. Advocating for a simpler lifestyle, Dr. Iraqi urged a shift in mindset toward health, encouraging individuals to undergo regular medical tests without fear of diagnoses and to prioritize their well-being.
Addressing the audience, Professor Dr. Rehan Umar, Head of the Cardiology Department at Patel Hospital Karachi, revealed that one in four individuals in Pakistan suffers from high blood pressure, a condition often linked to unhealthy lifestyles. He warned that smoking poses greater risks than many illicit drugs, including heroin, and lamented the rapid rise of fast food consumption in society, clarifying that what is marketed as “fast food” is, in reality, largely unhealthy fat-laden food. The ceremony served as a crucial reminder of the importance of lifestyle choices in combating heart disease, underscoring the need for collective action and awareness in promoting heart health across all age groups.
